An impact beam (70) comprises a polymer matrix and a reinforcing structure, the structure further comprises a number of metal reinforcing cords (11) and non-metal elongated binding elements (13) or non-metal coated elongated binding elements arranged between the cords for holding the metal reinforcing cords together. Part of the non-metal elongated binding elements is positioned at the exterior surface of the impact beam in order to keep the metal reinforcing cords away from the surface of the part. The impact beam may also comprise a non-steel distance keeper (66) being positioned at the exterior surface of the impact beam in order to keep the metal reinforcing cords away from the surface of the part. The non-steel distance keeper can either be a non-metal coating on said metal reinforcing cords or non-metal elongated binding elements (55) arranged between the cords for holding the metal reinforcing cords together.